Police and emergency services have launched a coordinated search for a man in his 70s who went missing after a kayaking expedition off Middle Beach, north of Adelaide.
The alarm was raised just before 11pm on Tuesday evening after relatives contacted police with concerns for the man, who had failed to return from his paddling trip. Emergency services immediately mobilised resources to the area.
The search effort deployed specialised equipment to cover a wide area. Police coordinated the operation through the Water Operations Unit, which brought aerial surveillance capabilities to the search. Polair was activated with infrared camera technology to scan the Gulf St Vincent waters, while Volunteer Marine Rescue teams deployed vessels to scour the area. The man was not located during the overnight search.
The search resumed at first light on Wednesday morning as authorities expanded their efforts. Police have appealed to the public for assistance, asking anyone with information about the missing man or who spots a kayak in the search area to contact them immediately on 131 444.
The specifics of the search operation underline the complexity of locating someone in open water. The use of infrared technology and marine rescue teams reflects standard protocols for coastal disappearances, where rapidly changing conditions and visibility challenges complicate efforts to locate missing people. Middle Beach sits on the northern coastline of the Adelaide metropolitan area, an area frequented by kayakers and water sports enthusiasts.
Authorities have not released details about the man's experience level, the conditions at the time he departed, or whether he was wearing a life jacket. These factors typically inform the scope and duration of search operations.